In the world of cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are a very sought-after procedure. These smile enhancers are popular with the Hollywood elite, Instagram influencers, and anyone else looking for a straighter, whiter smile.
Veneers are a quick and convenient way to cover broken enamel, gaps between teeth, and nearly any other imperfection you might want to correct in your smile. However, these porcelain teeth are not always the best solution for everyone.
How will you know if veneers are right for you? Let’s take a closer look at this cosmetic dental procedure.
What are Veneers?
The American Dental Association defines veneers as “thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth.” These shells are commonly made of porcelain, but they can also be made from resin composite. Veneers are also a permanent dental fixture; once they’re bonded to your teeth, they’re not likely to come off anytime soon.
How They Work
The process of getting veneers usually takes about three weeks. First, your dentist will have an initial consultation, where he or she examines your teeth. You and the dentist can decide how many veneers you need (sets of 2-8 are most common) during this appointment. The dentist may also take x-rays or an impression of your mouth, so that a dental lab can create your custom veneer shells.
After your consultation, your dentist will prepare your teeth for the bonding process. To do this, he or she will need to reshape your tooth, shaving them down to make room for the veneers. If your veneers are not yet back from the lab (this can take 2-4 weeks), your dentist may give you a temporary set to wear while you wait for your final appointment.
Finally, it’s time for the bonding process. Your dentist trim and shape the veneers so it fits perfectly on your tooth. Then, they will use a chemical cement to adhere the veneers to your reshaped teeth. Once the cement hardens and cures, voila – you have a beautiful, natural-looking set of new teeth!
The Pros
The pros of dental veneers might seem obvious: they help perfect your smile! The fact is that dental veneers are a great way to make your teeth look better. They hide damaged or discolored teeth. The porcelain material looks natural – and, because porcelain is stain-resistant, that bright smile will last quite a while. Finally, veneers are incredibly durable, lasting up to 20 years with proper care!
The Cons
Of course, veneers are not always the perfect solution for every patient. Because a part of your tooth is required for the bonding process, patients with severely decayed teeth cannot use veneers. Additionally, people who grind their teeth have a greater risk of chipping or cracking their veneers – and at an average cost of $1,313 per tooth, you don’t want to do that!
Finally, it is important to remember that veneers are mostly irreversible. Because the dentist has to reshape your tooth to perform the procedure, there’s no going back once you’ve had them done!
Book Your Appointment Today
So, how do you know if dental veneers are right for you? The best way to find out is by talking to your dentist. He or she can examine your teeth and discuss your options, so you can find the best possible procedure to make your smile look its best.
The cosmetic dentistry team at Olympia Fields Dental Associates has been helping Illinoisans get brighter, more beautiful smiles for years – and we want to help you, too! Call (708) 813-2383 to schedule an appointment with our office today.